Family rhythms and rituals provide children with a sense of belonging, stability, and comfort. Rituals create special memories and traditions that can last a lifetime. We often think about creating rituals around holidays and birthdays, but summer is a great time to establish new family rituals that can be enjoyed year after year. Here are some ideas for summer rituals:
- Have a weekly family picnic: Pack a picnic basket with your family's favorite foods and head to a nearby park or beach. Make it a point to disconnect from technology and enjoy each other's company. Read: it's okay if you don't have a photo of every picnic!
- Plan a family game night: Set aside one night a week to play board games, card games, or video games together. This is a great way to bond and have fun as a family.
- Create a summer bucket list: Have each family member contribute to a list of activities they want to do over the summer. This can include things like going on a hike, visiting a new museum, or trying a new restaurant.
- Start a family book club: Choose a book to read as a family and discuss it over dinner or during a family book club meeting.
- Have a weekly movie night: Pick a movie to watch together as a family and make popcorn or other snacks.
- Read family devotions each night: Summer is the perfect time to start a new kid-friendly devotion. Try adding it to your bedtime routine, or as a mid-day family reset.
OUR FAVORITE KID DEVOTIONS
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Family rituals are an important part of a child's upbringing. They provide a sense of stability, belonging, and comfort, and summer is a great time to establish new family rituals that can be enjoyed year after year!
One of my favorite rituals I have set up is before bed every night I tell a bible story in my own words (it can get pretty silly sometimes) and then sing 3 songs. I find the hymns tend to be his favorites and it's amazing the things he will pick up on and remember (he's only 3). The other day I hear him singing while he's playing with toys "Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before thee!" Such a joy to hear your son sing words like these.